Talking Business – Stuck in Google’s Doghouse – NYTimes.com

Talking Business – Stuck in Google’s Doghouse – NYTimes.com

Credit Where Credit’s Due…Trevor beat me to to punch on this one.  Check out his comments at the link below.

http://swanbergcis.blogspot.com/2008/09/has-google-replaced-microsoft-as-next.html

This is a nice article about the potential monopoly power of Google.   The line I like best is the one that notes (paraphrased) that monopolies can’t help from acting like monopolies.  Google defends their monopoly power by arguing that they don’t take certain competitive actions against competitors because it’s all in the “algorithm.”  Nevertheless, Google will tweak their algorithms in ways that are best for Google, and others must pay the price.  Simply because the competitive moves are automated, doesn’t necessarily make them an improper use of monopoly power.

Of course, I love Google.  The challenge here is that IT works better when systems are integrated, but you need competition for innovation.    I’ll have to think on this more.

Why Chrome?

Why Chrome Won’t Crash Windows

There has been considerable attention this past week about Google’s new web browser – Chrome.  I have to admit, I am a bit confused by this move by Google.  Google’s claim is that they are introducing their own browser in an attempt to defend itself from Microsoft possibly making changes to the IE platform.  I’m not sure I buy that rationale.  Google already has a hedge against Microsoft…the opensource FIrefox browser.  So, my question is why would Google develop its own brower, rather than enhancing Firefox.  One answer may be becuase they can.  Google has lots of money and lots of brainpower and they can afford to release small pilot projects without a complete understanding of why they are doing so.  Another reason may be more nefarious – becuase they want greater control over online advertising.   A Google browser could either a) provide another channel for advertising outreach or b) could be optimized to enhance Google’s existing advertising model.  I suspect the truth is somehow a combination of both factors.  If someone has a better explanation, though, I’d love to hear it.